CHAPTER 9
"So on a scale of 1 to 10, how was it?" Jason asked. "Do you mean the food?" Jasmine asked to clarify. He nodded with an expectant look on his face. "Well it broke my scale, that's for sure, it was delicious!" She replied. He smiled at that, one of those genuine smiles of his that brought more colour to his stunning eyes. "I knew you'd like it," he told her. "Thank you," she said out loud, but she wanted to say "I'm sorry", but her cold heart rationalized that there was nothing to be sorry for, at least not yet. Even though she had the worst intentions she hasn't done anything wrong yet. However, her lack of action wasn't because of unwillingness, she just hadn't gotten the chance yet. "So how's work so far?" He asked. It was obvious he was trying to keep the conversation going, it was cute seeing him trying to make small talk. She knew he wasn't one to waste words, he was one of those annoying straight to the point kind of people. Seeing him making so much effort with her was nice, or maybe he was just being nice. Yeah, that's more believable. There's no reason for her to feel special just because the billionaire chose to do something that every other normal person would do. "I just started, remember? but so far it's been good, maybe because I have the best boss ever," she replied. "Oh, you don't have to flatter me, Jasmine, you can be honest with me," he said with a chuckle. "I am being honest!" She exclaimed, but she wasn't, she was lying, she was a liar anyway so it didn't prick her conscience when she said those words out loud. "Why don't I believe you?" He said with a smirk. It was a rhetorical question and she didn't even plan on answering. She was having fun with her little games. She just shrugged her shoulders and continued walking beside him. She intrigued him. The more he got to know her, the more mysterious she seemed. She was an egregious flirt but even that itself was funny and somehow exciting. Jason knew she was trouble but it was a kind of trouble he could not avoid. He loved the thrill of it all. Probably he would have appreciated a calmer mate, but he could make do with this tigress before him. "I want to know everything about you Jasmine," he blurted out. He mentally groaned as he said those words but he was not going to take it back this time around. He needed more control of that sharp blunt mouth of his but he could not help it. It was like his mouth had a mind of its own. It could also be because he was a typical Leo but he was never one to believe in the stars even though he was a werewolf. He was being serious though, he wanted to unwrap this mysterious lady already. He wanted to claim her. To proclaim her as his, to protect her with his life if necessary. "There's not much to know, I've lived a very simple, boring, happy life," she said quietly. Everything she said was a lie, but she planned on lying her way to his heart every step of the way. She could not let her guard down. He wouldn't understand her even if she tried to open up to him. He would sneer at all the horrible things she had done just to survive in this harsh world. He could not comprehend the life she lived. How could he? She was poor and he was wealthy. That already puts them in two separate worlds. It was a bitter pill she had long learned to swallow. The rich felt entitled and somehow it helped their ego to own the poor one way or another. Honestly, it was one of the reasons she went down this path. He was not her first target and she had never been unsuccessful. She knew this kind of behaviour, although it rarely happened, they were usually not this nice. There was something about Jason Halem that was suddenly making her grow a conscience. She could see actual sincerity in his eyes. Most of her previous targets didn't care about her, they never wanted to know more than her name and some even could not get her name to stick to their big skulls. She reminisced about a funny memory when one of her previous targets kept calling her gorgeous and while others thought it was because he admired her, it turned out he just couldn't remember her name. You would think that someone who continuously chased her without shame, hoping to get in her pants, would remember something so simple. She had no second thoughts when she exposed his scandal, he totally deserved it. Jason was different. She knew that from the moment she laid eyes on him. Now the more she got to know him, the more she began to realise just how different he actually was. "I want to know more about you instead," Jasmine told him. He seemed a little put off by the sudden shift of attention to his life, but it was just for a split second. His countenance relaxed after what seemed like a moment's hesitation. Jason did not expect that Jasmine would turn the tables around so fast. It was obvious she didn't want to talk about herself or her past. Apparently she was okay with being a mystery. Under normal circumstances, this would have completely come off to him as a bad sign but somehow he understood her. There was something about her that blinded him to her many flaws and he could bet it was the bond they shared because she was his mate. He wasn't any different anyways. His past was definitely not his favourite topic. In fact he never thought he could share that part of himself with any other person, werewolf or human. However, here he was with a strong urge to open his heart and soul to this mystery lady. Maybe it was because he was tired of being alone and he was incredibly lonely. He has always felt lonely, for as long as he could remember. The problem was that he never had the luxury to be vulnerable before anyone, he could not show any form of weakness. That had been his life motto since he lost everything and he convinced himself that it was working for him. Nevertheless, since Jasmine Calvin stepped into his life everything has changed. People say finding your mate brings a sense of completeness but it can also make you go crazy or do crazy things. He witnessed the good parts of having a mate as he watched his parents live the perfect life, at least in his eyes. They were each other's mate and for as long as he could remember they were always together, loving each other till death. They always had this spark in their eyes when they looked at each other and he wondered if he could have something like that with Jasmine. He wanted to have something like that with her. "I'm a lonely man with expectations I fear I could never fulfill and it haunts me everyday," he confessed to her. Jasmine was not expecting such a sincere revelation. It took her a few seconds to assimilate what he said and what it meant to the both of them. Just when she thought he could not surprise her more than he already had, he just had to go ahead and drop something like this on her. There was an awkward silence between them, the first of its kind. Jasmine didn't like to keep quiet, she liked to talk, it helped her forget about all the horrible thoughts going through her mind. However at this moment she was in a serious dilemma. Yes, her main purpose being here was to get as much valuable information from him, something scandalous that would fetch a pretty sum. He was rich, handsome, an absolute gentleman but he was alone. Well the whole world knew he was either alone or secretly dating, but she didn't know that he could be weighed down by loneliness so much that it was the first thing that came to his mind when he thought about himself. She knew he was being honest with her, call it a gut feeling or years of having to read people for survival, but she knew he wasn't lying. Still, why was he being so honest with her?! It just didn't add up to her. Maybe he thinks getting pity from her would make it easier to get into her pants…. No that can't be it. He didn't have to try so hard if that was what he wanted, not when she was so openly flirting with him. Also he did not look like someone that could do that. Still the million dollar question was yet to be answered. Why was he being so honest? Jason could see that she was having a hard time processing what he just told her and naturally he felt bad. He gave himself a mental note not to be so straightforward with her next time. People have often told him that he was brutally honest, but he didn't see the point in beating around the bush or being unusually vague when the essence of a conversation is to disclose your intentions for effective comprehension. Still, now he wished he had listened to them, maybe that would make talking with Jasmine easier. She seemed to be very shrewd, especially with words and he hoped he could communicate at her level. "I'm sorry, was that too much information?" He asked when it seemed that she was not going to say anything. "No, no, it just took me off guard for a moment, sorry that I made it awkward," she said. "I should be the one apologizing for just blurting out words without considering you," he tried to explain. "No, I'm glad you did, I'm glad you were honest with me. I just don't know what to say or how to reply, you see I'm not used to…being there for someone," she told him. He guessed that much. She seemed like a very independent lady. One who had lived on her own for a while, he could sense things like these. He wondered if she was single. She acted like she was but he still had not directly asked her that question. It was only right that he did, even if he was almost certain of the reply. However, now did not seem like the proper time to ask such a question. "You don't have to say anything, I just don't want to hide anything for you," he said. All Jasmine could think about was how hard he was making it not to fall for him! She couldn't fall in love, she couldn't grow a conscience, she was here for business. Still she wanted to scream, why?! Why was he this vulnerable with her? Why was making it so hard for her to be the bad person here?! She just simply nodded, afraid her voice may fail her or that her facade might fade away. So she chose to say nothing at all. They were already back at the company building entrance and as usual, he held the door for her. Always the gentleman. Claire was looking perky behind the counter as she welcomed them back. Jasmine gave her a beautiful smile and a lovely hello even though her head was in a mess because of a certain billionaire boss. They both got on the elevator to the top floor in silence. This silence was a little bit different from the previous one, but it was far from a comfortable silence. Somehow, she had to break the ice. She wouldn't be selling any juicy story if she didn't act the part right. "I had a nice time today, thanks for lunch," she said as she stepped off the elevator with her signature smile. "Me too," he told her. She headed to her desk and just as Jason was about to enter his office he turned back. He just could not let things be like this. Not when he wanted more. "Erm… I was wondering if you would be free for dinner sometime, nothing fancy though," he suggested. "Sure, I'd love that," she replied. "Alright, how about tomorrow? Say 8pm" He asked. "Alright Jason," she agreed with a smile. "Okay, it's a date," he said with a chuckle as he turned back and walked into his office. However, the smile quickly left his face as he saw Nathan, comfortably sitting in his office with his back to him. This brought him back to reality in an instant. While he was with Jasmine he almost forgot that there was a war ahead and a bloodthirsty werewolf out to get him. "Why are you here Nathan?" He asked as he walked into his office. His brother suddenly turned around, as if he didn't know he was back all this while. He had a mischievous grin plastered on his face. He was sure he heard the conversation he just had with Jasmine but he didn't have time for Nathan's games. "Welcome back brother! I'm sure you had a nice lunch!" He exclaimed with a wink and a little too much emphasis on the "nice lunch". Gosh, Nathan was never going to let this go!CHAPTER 10"I'm not really in the mood for whatever naughty imaginations going through your mind right now Nathan," Jason made clear while settling down in the office chair. "Well that's too bad, because I'm in the mood to make fun of you," Nathan replied with a smile breaking on his lips. "Make fun of me all you want, but don't drag Jasmine into your childish games" Jason cautioned him. Nathan flinched a little. He especially hated being called childish, even if it was implied. He was always treated like a child, always protected and told to hide. But he wasn't a child anymore and it was hard for his big brother to realize that he was now a man. Jason rarely said that to him, unless when it was really serious, he knew he hated the word too so he must be onto something here. "So she has a name, after all, Jasmine…. She sounds feisty," He spoke like he was putting an image to the name. His eyes were squinted like he was actually thinking about something serious. Jason did not lik
CHAPTER 11The time till the close of work felt different for Jasmine and Jason. They both had a lot on their mind but somehow felt differently about how the day progressed. They were so close to each other yet it felt like they were in different worlds. Jasmine thought the time was exceedingly slow, she could not just wait to get off this extremely boring work and have a good night's rest. Her only interest here was Jason and when she wasn't with him, the job felt pointless. Plus she had a few less interesting freelance writing she was doing to keep herself busy. They were not as fun as the case she was currently working tooth and nail for, but at least she was able to write, which was all she ever wanted to do. Jason on the other hand felt like time was moving too fast. If he could stop the hands of time right now he would do it. He wondered why werewolves didn't have such powers, it was a ludicrous thought of course, but at moments like this, his mind just wanders. He could not
CHAPTER 12 They got to her apartment a few minutes later, it was not far from the office and Jasmine could have easily taken a taxi, but there wouldn't be any fun in that. Moreover, it would mean that he wouldn't get to spend more time with her. "Just stop over here," she told him, directing him to her particular apartment building. He laughed when she said that. Jasmine could not fathom was what so funny this time around. She thought he was a little bit crazier than she expected. "Why are you laughing?!" She asked him. "I'm sorry, it's just that I already know where you live, you work for me remember? And I own this building, plus your car is not parked here, " he replied. "Oh!" She exclaimed, "well you should have just said so earlier," she said, giving him a little shove at the shoulder. She felt like the earth could just open up and swallow her. He was having a blast considering how hard he was still laughing at the little misunderstanding. It wasn't her fault that she did
CHAPTER 13You could feel the tension in the big sitting room, it was choking. As soon as Jason left the entrance of the door toward mama Helen, all heads bowed down, their inner werewolf moved them into submission. It did not matter how long they had seen each other. He was their Alpha and their inner wolf craved to show him the utmost respect whenever he was in their presence. Only mama Helen could look him in the eye when he didn't signal for her to. She was like a mother to him, but even her body language and the way she comported herself showed she was not immune to this Alpha pull to submission. Her embrace was soothing and warm, a far cry from how vulnerable he felt with Jasmine a while ago. However, he could not be anything but strong here with his pack. With Jasmine he could feel things he normally wouldn't feel, he could be more himself without the need for excess show of masculinity. "How have you been , mama?" He asked her. He often called her mama because she felt li
CHAPTER 14The air was particularly gloomy today. It rained cats and dogs the previous day and it was looking like it might be another episode of that today.It's been days since Jasmine last saw Jason, he promised her dinner and hope for a future together with her but all that disappeared into thin air. She wasn't surprised though, she was already used to being disappointed, that was life. "Hello Jasmine, how was lunch?" Claire asked when she stepped into the building. "The food was nice Claire." "Did you go to the spot that the boss showed you again?" She asked. "Yes I did," she replied with a sad smile. It was foolish of her to hope but still she did. What they shared that night was magical, at least she felt so. She had been going to what was now 'their restaurant.' She wondered if she could maybe see him there, just maybe. It didn't help though that the stylish young waiter was always asking about Jason, apparently he thought they were a couple. If only he knew…"You know
CHAPTER 15They drove first to her apartment so she could change into something more "dinner worthy." He thought she looked perfect just the way she was, but she insisted that she had to wear something more befitting. It took an hour for her to get ready, but to Jason it was a win-win situation; he got to see what the inside of her apartment looked like. "You know it's kind of weird that I get to see your apartment first before our dinner, usually it's the other way around," he noted, looking around the room. "I guess we're not exactly the ideal partners either," she said, trying to put a word to what they were. "Partners?" He chuckled while asking."I don't know….. what exactly are we Jason?" She asked him. "We can say we're a couple, you already know how I feel about you," he said gently. "Yeah, but like… it's not really official yet, I'd prefer if we take things slow….plus you've not really asked me to be your girlfriend," she rambled on, trying to look for any excuse. "We
CHAPTER 16"Here's the special for the loveliest couple ever," Boris said, announcing his return. He was followed by a smart looking waiter who was pushing a trolley with their food towards them. The waiter looked nice, around mid-twenties but other than that it was obvious he wasn't trying to stand out. Boris' loud cheerful voice startled both Jasmine and Jason, especially Jason, who had been very uncomfortable since he left to get their meal. "Ah, thank you! It looks amazing and smells so great too," Jasmine complimented as the waiter carefully laid their food on the table. Jason just simply nodded, still more interested in the terrible feeling in his gut than the appetizing meal before him. "It's the best only for Jason, nothing less would ever do," he said, giving Jason a light tap on the back. "Oh yes, thank you Boris," Jason said absent-mindedly. "My pleasure, please enjoy your meal and do let me know if you need anything at all," he said with a curtsey as he left with t
CHAPTER 17He had never seen her like this, hands trembling, eyes fixed on the dark road, lips quivering. He cursed under his breath. He held her hand steady while he firmly held the steering wheel of the car with his other hand. He could feel her succumb to his touch but it wasn't enough."No one is going to hurt you Jasmine, not while I'm here," he reassured her. She wanted to believe him, but it was not so easy to forget the extremely dark eyes and gnarly wide teeth that not so long ago threatened her. She couldn't make out the features so well, but the fear she felt was real, she knew the person standing in front of her wanted her dead, she could see it in those dead black eyes and the wicked grin. She just didn't know why? One thing was clear though; Jason knew more than he was letting on. "You weren't there Jason, you didn't see what I saw," she stated. "What exactly did you see?" "I…. It was so…so dark… I don't know…." "It's alright, you don't have to say anything, you